Chapter 137: Unless the Box Office Moves Me
“Hong, why don’t we just forget about it?”
In the study of the villa, the strong artistic atmosphere brought a sense of peace to Chen Kaige’s heart.
His tone was gentle, tinged with a hint of pleading.
He had already thought it through and no longer wished to be entangled with that Hu Ge.
It wasn’t worth it. What was his status, and what was Hu Ge’s?
He just needed to get the approval of his still youthful wife.
Chen Hong was also exhausted, having been hounded by entertainment reporters to the point of utter chaos, almost wanting to flee the planet.
She was tired, truly tired.
“The Promise” was set to be released in North America on the fifth of next month.
From the couple to the main cast, no one held any hope anymore.
During the Berlin Film Festival, Zhang Dongjian and Hiroyuki Sanada had shown up to support it.
This time, for the North America release, both declined, citing various reasons.
Should Director Chen go it alone as a lone hero?
No, she couldn’t bear to.
“I’ll listen to you.”
Chen Kaige smiled, embraced Chen Hong, and gently moved, as if drawing strength from her.
“Hong, you’re so good.”
Chen Hong leaned on Chen Kaige’s shoulder and then caught sight of the somewhat glaring Premiere invitation for “those years” on the desk.
She gently pushed the old boy away: “Director Chen, we’ll go to the Premiere openly and grandly. I also want to see what ‘those years’ is like!”
During this time, the promotions for “those years” were everywhere.
It always reminded Chen Hong of the grand spectacle surrounding “The Promise” back then.
But “The Promise” was a big commercial film, and with Director Chen’s years of accumulated reputation guaranteeing it, it managed to gross over 100 million at the box office.
What did “those years” have? An investment of just over ten million, and the director was a first-time feature film director.
Although it starred Liu Yifei and Li Chen, what did that matter?
Last year, Zhao Wei and Lu Yi’s “A Time to Love” was released.
It had all the right conditions: timing, location, and people.
Before its release, it was highly anticipated by all parties.
Producer Han Sanping was even full of confidence.
Zhao Wei and Lu Yi’s popularity was no less than Liu Yifei and Li Chen’s.
But what was the result? It didn’t even complete its one-month theatrical run before being abandoned by the cinemas.
The box office was only a little over 5 million.
A romance film? And a youth campus romance film?
Even if some people went to see it because of Miss Liu Yifei’s popularity, it would at most reach twenty or thirty million.
How much higher could it go?
She wanted to see what kind of expression Li Chen would have after the film’s release.
Both Golden Palm winners, don’t let the difference be too great, alright?
Her old boy was down and out, while the other was radiant – it was discordant!
That “isabella” film, released last week alongside “buried,” was the same.
It was truly buried alongside “buried.”
It was also abandoned in less than two weeks, with a box office of less than 2 million.
“buried” only managed a box office of four million.
This was the first film directed by Li Chen that failed at the domestic box office.
It showed that he was human too, and like her Director Chen, humans always make mistakes sometimes.
“I’ll listen to you, I’ll listen to everything you say.”
Chen Kaige’s eyes were soft, a true warm-hearted man.
As long as his Hong agreed not to sue Hu Ge.
He would even be willing to go to the North America alone to attend the “The Promise” Premiere!
Han Sanping and a host of other industry bigwigs shared the same thoughts as Chen Hong.
Although the novel was a bestseller, Liu Yifei was popular, and Li Chen’s script was also reliable.
However, the genre limited the upper bound of this type of film.
Moreover, apart from Tang Yan, none of the actors in the cast had been tested by the box office.
Liu Yifei had also made two films, but they both flopped miserably.
Li Chen was an undisputed director, but how he would perform as an actor, no one knew.
Whether the audience would buy it, no one could say for sure.
Yang Siwei’s “killing the chicken to scare the monkey” tactic before the Premiere of “those years” had an immediate effect.
Many artists who had received invitations were initially hesitant due to scheduling conflicts.
Now, they would take leave and crawl there if they had to.
Huang Shengyi was a cautionary tale.
On the twenty-sixth, the Premiere of “those years” was held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
Early in the morning, Liu Yifei was pulled out of bed by Liu's Mother to get ready.
The Premiere press conference was to be held at noon.
In the afternoon, there was also the Walk of Fame.
The Premiere itself was in the evening.
The villa was bustling with people.
There was the Red Star House team, but even more so, the Rongchen Film and Television team.
Li Chen’s styling didn’t require much.
He casually picked a sky-blue shirt paired with light-colored casual pants, and headed towards Liu Yifei’s villa, looking fresh and clean.
Upon entering, Liu's Mother sat alone on the living room sofa, drinking coffee.
People were moving back and forth, upstairs and downstairs.
“Li Chen is here.” Liu's Mother put down her coffee cup and smiled.
“Yes, Auntie, is Xixi up yet?”
Liu's Mother pointed upstairs, smiling meaningfully: “She’s picking out clothes.”
Li Chen thought, “Auntie, you’re really bold. Don’t you know your daughter’s fashion sense?
You dare let her choose!”
“Uh, Auntie, I’ll go up and check!” Li Chen dropped a sentence and went upstairs.
Liu's Mother smiled and shook her head, muttering to herself: “Xixi, Mom can only help you this much.”
Li Chen went upstairs and entered Miss Liu’s dressing room, where several assistants and Shu Chang were gathered.
“My Chen Ge is here.” Shu Chang said with a smile, waiting for a good show.
As expected, Miss Liu had already changed into a short skirt, black ankle boots, and black stockings.
Li Chen secretly sighed, glad he came early. If she had gone out like that, all his previous efforts would have been wasted.
Her hard-earned improved fashion sense would have returned to square one.
“How did you get in? Didn’t I tell Mom to stop you? Get out quickly! I need to change!” Miss Liu stood up and tried to push Li Chen out.
The assistants covered their mouths and chuckled.
Li Chen was in, how could he go out? It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen her before.
“I’m not leaving. I knew the assistants couldn’t make decisions for you, so I had to come!”
“Listen to me, sit down.” Without another word, Li Chen held Miss Liu’s shoulders and pressed her down onto the bed.
“Just listen to Chen Ge, Xixi.” Shu Chang, next to her, stifled a laugh.
Saying that, Li Chen ignored Miss Liu’s pouting lips, turned around, and started picking out clothes for her.
Annoyed, Miss Liu turned around and furiously rubbed Shu Chang’s face to vent her displeasure.
“Let go quickly, Xixi, you’re smudging my makeup!”
“If it smudges, I’ll reapply it for you! That’s what you get for being a traitor!”
Ignoring the playful banter between the two girls, Li Chen rummaged through Miss Liu’s wardrobe.
Today’s Premiere was all about youthful exuberance.
No need for formal gowns, but she couldn’t just go with her rebellious style either!
Li Chen was very efficient, picking up a white shirt and pairing it with light blue casual pants, nodding secretly.
“These two pieces will do. Try them on, Xixi.”
Liu Yifei saw these two pieces and thought they were fine, and matched Li Chen’s outfit well.
She was afraid Li Chen would pick another heavy dress that was troublesome to take off and even more troublesome to put on.
Today was a full day of activities, and she just wanted to be as comfortable as possible.
Miss Liu took the clothes and said fiercely, “I’ll listen to you one more time! Next time, I’ll make my own decisions!”
Li Chen chuckled, “Alright, whenever your aesthetics are proportional to your face, I’ll let you choose.”
Shu Chang couldn’t hold back any longer, turning her head away, her shoulders trembling with laughter.
She actually didn’t think highly of her best friend’s fashion sense either.
Such a waste of a beautiful face.
After Li Chen finished speaking, without waiting for Miss Liu to explode, he walked out: “Auntie and I will wait for you downstairs. No rush, take your time.”
After changing, she still needed to do her hair and makeup, so there was quite a wait.
After about two hours, Miss Liu finally came downstairs.
Li Chen nodded secretly, she looked pure, beautiful, elegant, and free-spirited.
Liu's Mother hesitated, “Li Chen, won’t this be too casual?”
Li Chen smiled, “No, Auntie, aren’t I also wearing a shirt? A Premiere isn’t a film festival; there’s no need to dress too formally.”
Liu Yifei stepped forward and linked arms with Li Chen: “Mom, I’m not changing, this is it.”
Shu Chang also stepped forward and linked arms with Liu's Mother, smiling: “Auntie, if you make her change again, she’ll probably wear her fishnet stockings.”
“This is fine, no changing!” Liu's Mother nodded.
Li Chen and Shu Chang couldn’t help but laugh.
Only Liu Yifei pinched Li Chen hard and glared at Shu Chang angrily.
Was her fashion sense really that bad? She thought the fishnet stockings paired with a black short skirt looked quite pretty.
The group got into the car and drove towards the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
Xue Xiaolu, Yang Siwei, Shen Teng, Qiao Shan, and others had already arrived.
Tang Yan and Yang Mi also arrived one after another.
At 11 AM, the press conference began punctually.
The host invited the main creative personnel out one by one.
The media’s focus was entirely on Liu Yifei and Li Chen.
“Yifei, over here.”
“Yifei, look this way.”
“Director Li, this…”
Hundreds of media outlets were below the stage, with photographers on both sides taking pictures.
Xue Xiaolu had foreseen this; as the director, she was the first to appear but sat at the very end of the long table on stage.
Li Chen sat next to her, leaving the middle for Liu Yifei and Tang Yan.
Beautiful women always attract the spotlight.
As for Shen Teng, Qiao Shan, and the others, having been on the nationwide roadshow, they were already used to being treated as semi-transparent by the media.
After a brief greeting to the media, it was time for reporters’ questions.
The host pointed to a Japanese media outlet and said, “That reporter friend, please ask your question.”
“I’d like to ask Director Xue Xiaolu, this is your first feature film.”
“And the lead actor is Director Li Chen, who is also the producer. Do you feel any pressure, for example, regarding the box office?”
Xue Xiaolu glanced at Li Chen with a smile: “I don’t feel any pressure. If there’s any pressure, it’s on the producer. You can ask Li Chen if he feels any pressure.”
The host took over: “Director Li, do you feel any pressure then?”
Li Chen smiled: “Of course I feel pressure. After all, this is Director Xue’s feature film debut.”
“If I mess it up with my acting, I don’t care. At worst, I’ll just stick to directing from now on.”
“But it would drag Director Xue down.”
The venue erupted in laughter, and Xue Xiaolu also pointed at Li Chen and laughed.
However, she wasn't worried in the slightest.
If you drag me down, I’ll just have to target you for investment in the future.
The atmosphere immediately became lively, and Li Chen maintained his usual humorous style when facing the media.
“Director Li is still so witty. Alright, next reporter friend, please ask your question.” The host said again.
A reporter from Taiwan raised his hand and said, “I’d like to ask Miss Liu Yifei.”
“This is your third youth romance film as the lead. Are you worried that, like the previous two, the box office won’t be satisfactory?”
Liu Yifei also glanced at Li Chen before saying clearly, “I’m not worried. Director Li isn’t worried about his big screen debut, so why should I, as a senior, be worried?”
“Hahaha”
The scene was filled with laughter again, no one expected Liu Yifei to be so quick-witted.
Compared to Li Chen, a newcomer to the big screen, Liu Yifei had at least starred in two films and made a cameo in one.
She could indeed be called a senior! Even if her box office performance as a senior was disappointing.
Immediately after, the third reporter to ask a question was from a tabloid media in Hong Kong.
"Miss Liu Yifei, I'd like to ask if you and Director Li Chen fell in love on set and are now dating?"
Tang Yan secretly thought, "It's finally here."
The boss and the boss lady didn't fall in love on set; they had been secretly involved for a long time.
Now the media finally revealed their true intentions; this was what they most wanted to know.
Li Chen had indeed publicly admitted his affection for Liu Yifei.
But Liu Yifei had never admitted whether they were actually in a relationship.
Nor had she admitted whether she liked Li Chen.
On this rare occasion, with the two of them appearing together, how could the media let it slip?
Liu Yifei was well-prepared; she would have been surprised if the media hadn't asked her!
"I can only tell you that I have someone I like, and whether it's Director Li depends on whether the box office of 'those years' can move me."
This answer, not to mention the media's wide-eyed stares, even surprised Li Chen.
He cried out in his heart, "This move has completely confused me."
Miss Liu's eyelashes curved, her eyes showed a hint of a smile, and she pursed her lips, looking at Li Chen with deep affection.
She was very satisfied with her actions today, which also added fuel to the buzz around 'those years'.
The media quickly reacted, realizing this was an indirect admission of their relationship.
Another media outlet immediately followed up with a smile.
"Yifei, how much box office revenue will it take to move you?"
"That's right, there must be a number for the box office, right?"
Liu Yifei tilted her head, pondering, "At least it has to surpass Tang Yan's 'painted skin', otherwise, I'd be too wronged as a rumored girlfriend."
Tang Yan couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, leaning into Liu Yifei's ear, "You really know how to play."
Liu Yifei also whispered back, "This isn't over yet!"
Tang Yan looked at Liu Yifei with a surprised smile, wondering what else she had up her sleeve.
Yang Siwei and Yang Mi, who were backstage, were also overjoyed.
"It's a shame Yifei didn't become an agent; she could totally handle my role as publicity director."
"I think so too, hahaha."
The media gasped? It would have been much better if you had just said you didn't like Director Li.
She even went around in circles, saying that if 'those years' surpassed 'painted skin' at the box office, it would mean breaking three hundred million.
Daydreaming might be possible.
As for whether she liked Li Chen, the media already had their answer.
The press conference ended.
The group returned backstage.
Yang Siwei and Yang Mi immediately stepped forward.
"Yifei, you're so smart, a perfect match for my boss," Yang Siwei said excitedly.
Liu Yifei looked at Li Chen triumphantly and smiled, "Director Li, what do you say?"
Li Chen chuckled and leaned into her ear, "Let's talk in the room."
After speaking, he walked towards the elevator first.
With so many people in the hotel, it was not appropriate for him to go to Miss Liu's room.
Miss Liu had, on a whim, used their rumored relationship to generate buzz.
He couldn't say anything, but the effect was hard to predict.
Putting himself in her shoes, if he were a true fan of Miss Liu.
He definitely wouldn't go to see 'those years'; if the box office really surpassed 'painted skin', wouldn't he be personally helping his idol and Li Chen get together?
Liu Yifei and Tang Yan shared a room to rest.
After entering the room, Liu Yifei suppressed her laughter, opened her computer, and then opened Li Chen's blog.
Under Tang Yan's astonished gaze.
She typed out a sentence with a flurry of keystrokes.
"The box office of 'those years' is in your hands, everyone!"
Tang Yan was taken aback, "This is also allowed?"
Once this blog post was published, would some people, to curry favor with the boss, directly book out entire showings?
Li Chen, the person involved, still didn't know what had happened.
The afternoon's Red Carpet event hadn't started yet.
The live recording of the press conference was already online.
"Liu Yifei jokes that the box office of 'those years' surpassing 'painted skin' will determine if she accepts Li Chen."
"Li Chen and Liu Yifei's love is set in 'those years'; Liu Yifei indirectly admits their relationship."
Once the news went online, the artists following Li Chen's blog finally understood the meaning of his new post.
"Received, Director Li."
"Understood, Director Li, watch my performance!"
"You just watch, Director Li!"
It wasn't until Wang Changtian called that Li Chen realized what had happened.
"Brother, your publicity methods are worth learning from; you truly stop at nothing. Should I also contribute a little?" Wang Changtian laughed.
"What are you saying? I didn't understand a single word."
"Don't pretend with me; when have you ever posted on your blog without thousands of people following it!"
Li Chen immediately realized that Miss Liu must have logged into his account again.
"What did I post?"
"You don't know what you posted?" Wang Changtian said with an annoyed laugh.
After hanging up the phone, Li Chen opened his computer and saw the blog post.
He couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle, "My lovely Miss Liu, you're really having fun."
This blog post would definitely help the box office, but the impact wouldn't be huge.
The key still depended on whether the story was well told.
Starting at 5 PM, the Red Carpet event began.
Li Chen and Xue Xiaolu, as producers and director, walked the Red Carpet first.
Huayi Brothers' Wang Zhonglei and Feng Xiaogang followed closely behind.
Gu Changwei, Lu Chuan, Jiang Wen, Wang Xiaoshuai, and others also arrived one after another.
Except for Zhang Yimou, who had moved to Hengdian World Studios, most of the well-known directors were present.
Andy Lau and Tony Leung Ka-fai from Hong Kong.
Xia Yu and Hu Jun from Orange Sky Entertainment.
Sun Li and He Rundong from Hairun Media.
Fan Bingbing, Li Bingbing, Deng Chao, Huang Xiaoming, and other stars and artists walked the Red Carpet.
Han Sanping and Wang Changtian also arrived late.
The shouts of fans on both sides of the Red Carpet shook the sky.
When Liu Yifei, Tang Yan, and other main cast members walked the Red Carpet.
They had to shout to hear each other.
Liu Yifei's popularity was simply too immense.
The media had long guessed that today's Red Carpet would be star-studded.
They just didn't expect so many people to come; perhaps even the Red Carpet of the upcoming International Film Festival in Shanghai wouldn't be as grand.
Inside the venue, Xue Xiaolu and Li Chen each entertained guests.
Xue Xiaolu's former colleagues from CCTV also came to support her.
It was truly hard to keep a low profile.
In such an occasion, the myriad aspects of human life were vividly displayed.
The focus always revolved around that small group of people.
Liu Yifei was also a focal point now.
Li Chen had previously instructed Yang Siwei to keep an eye on her, and Yang Siwei was practically inseparable from her all evening.
Wu Bin and Andy Lau were chatting about the two films.
Han Sanping said a few words to Lu Chuan and the other directors, then walked towards Li Chen.
Having just finished dealing with Wang Zhonglei and Feng Xiaogang, Han Sanping interjected.
Wang Zhonglei and Feng Xiaogang greeted Han Sanping and then left.
"What were you talking about with those two?" Han Sanping asked.
"Nothing, just some superficial pleasantries and small talk."
Han Sanping sneered, "By the way, isn't it inappropriate to give 'painted skin 2' to a newcomer?"
"There's nothing inappropriate about it, Han Dong. I'm the producer, and the director has to listen to me."
Han Sanping nodded, "Sign the contract quickly in these two days, don't delay any longer. The share is the same as last time."
Yang Siwei, not far away, saw the boss and Han Sanping standing together.
She immediately understood, nudging Liu Yifei, "The boss is calling you over."
Liu Yifei looked back, and her eyes met Li Chen's.
She then greeted Zhang Liangying and a few classmates, and walked towards Li Chen.
Han Sanping also saw Liu Yifei, glanced at Li Chen, and said nothing.
Liu Yifei walked closer and smiled, "Han Dong, I'm Liu Yifei."
Han Sanping nodded slightly, and Li Chen smiled, "Han Dong, you are the most supportive of newcomers."
"Please take good care of Yifei in the future."
Han Sanping said with annoyance, "With you as her boyfriend, can Yifei still be considered a newcomer? What support does she need!"
Li Chen laughed heartily.
Liu Yifei also beamed with joy.
Han Sanping then looked at the smiling Liu Yifei beside him and said, "Yifei, keep an eye on this boy, he's young and impulsive, don't let him make mistakes!"
"Don't follow the example of those others!" Han Sanping's gaze lingered on those few well-known directors not far away.
Liu Yifei nodded and smiled, "Thank you for the reminder, Han Dong, he wouldn't dare!"
Han Sanping also smiled; it was good for a young girl to be confident.
He didn't say anything more.
Seeing Chen Kaige and Chen Hong approaching, Han Sanping didn't move away.
Many people in the venue were staring at Li Chen, and seeing him introduce Liu Yifei to people made them green with envy.
Walking closer, Chen Kaige and Chen Hong first greeted Han Sanping with a nod.
Li Chen then proactively exchanged pleasantries with the two, "Director Chen, Hong Jie, thank you for coming to support us."
Chen Kaige still maintained his unyielding demeanor, nodding slightly, while Chen Hong smiled, "You're welcome, Li Chen."
"Let me introduce you, this is Liu Yifei, my girlfriend."
"Yifei, I don't need to introduce Director Chen and Hong Jie, do I?" Li Chen looked at Miss Liu and smiled.
Chen Kaige's expression stiffened slightly, perhaps thinking of something.
Liu Yifei smiled and greeted the two, following Li Chen's address, "Hello, Hong Jie, hello, Director Chen."
The two smiled as a formality, out of respect for Li Chen.
Han Sanping, seeing both of them there, remembered something and interjected, "By the way, both of you must come to the Beijing International Sports Film Week in June."
"As representatives of the industry, you two must set an example. The Olympic Committee has also extended an invitation to Zhang Yimou."
Chen Hong smiled slightly, "Don't worry, Han Dong, we will be there on time."
"I'll see the situation; if I'm in the country then, I'll definitely come to show my support." Li Chen didn't dare to agree too early.
"What, I can't even get you to come?" Han Sanping raised an eyebrow.
Li Chen smiled, "If I have time, I'll definitely come; I have that much awareness."
Han Sanping couldn't say anything more. Li Chen then saw Chen Jingfei arrive.
"Han Dong, Director Chen, Hong Jie, Yifei and I will go socialize a bit, you all chat."
Chen Jingfei came to support Miss Liu, and for Miss Liu's sake, Li Chen had to be polite to him on the surface.